Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Never again!!! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By formerjeepowner - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep shortly after college with 78,000. The car ran wonderfully for another 15,000 miles but then the problems started happening and they never really stopped for 5 years. First it was the transmission which cost $1800 just to fix the clutches. Then the water pump, the alternator, the battery, the fuel pump, O2 sensor, gear shift panel broke, the ignition casing went faulty and then finally the radiator went bad and I had enough. I did not fix it I just donated the vehicle to a local charity. I will never buy a Jeep again and I will never buy an American car again. I gave it a chance and it failed me miserably.

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  Excellent Choice - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By kwrhodes - December 18 - 10:00 am

  A Jeep is a Jeep -- you must know that going in. It wont get good mileage, it has a rough ride, and it is "plain Jane" on the inside. But, ITS A JEEP and I love it. This is my second one and it is just as much fun as the first. I highly recommend a Jeep to anyone who wants to have a true original off-road vehicle.

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  GREAT! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stevereno - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The jeep grand cherokee is the best jeep i have ever owned. it is so stylish and neat. the interior is so comfortable and it has a smooth ride. all i can say is...I LOVE MY GRAND CHEROKEE!!

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  The kids approve! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Staceyleigh - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Jeep for a couple of months but I love it. It handles great and is nice and roomy. This is the first SUV Ive owned and Im quite pleased!

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  Good but mostly bad. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Geo pup - December 18 - 7:38 am

  Pulls a trailer well. Interior looks really nice. Ground clearance is a joke. Trail rated? Ya right. Leg room for both sets of rear seats is non existent. Climate controls do not last. Stereo is junk along with DVD player. Have had heater core fail twice which caused hot radiator fluid to pour into cab both times. Jeep is no longer the company I grew up with.

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  96 Cherokee 2wd 4 door 5 speed - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Aaron Waltz - December 18 - 2:23 am

  I like this Jeep; its got the advantages of the smaller suvs such as ground clearance, storage, passenger room, roof racks, rear wheel drive and just being up higher than small cars (plus it looks like the 4wd). Plus the advantages of a compact car -- good ride, fuel economy no extra drivetrain to weigh it down or maintain, transmission/clutch repairs are a breeze compared to its 4wd cousin (no transfer case to deal with). Overall good little suv for the budget minded person. Also the 2.5 4 cylinder is surprisingly spunky. Its not a slouch as you would think; its no 4.0 liter but more power means less fuel economy. This day and age Id rather have the torquey 4 banger! it does the job quite well.

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  Its a Jeep, cant complain - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob - December 17 - 8:46 pm

  Fun to drive year round. I took it mudding and not have have it in four wheel drive. It a Jeep can do about anything

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  The Best Yet - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NJMIKE - December 16 - 1:03 am

  This is my third Grand Cherokee. My first was a 1997 Cherokee I-6 Laredo. I sold that with over 125,000 trouble free miles (one water pump). My second, which I still own with 176,000 trouble free miles, is a 1998 ZJ 5.9 liter Limited - The Big Dog. My wifes 2000 Grand Cherokee now has 85,500 trouble free miles on it. She travels 80 miles a day on the NJ Turnpike. I wouldnt want her driving anything else. Period.

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  Classic Jeep lines! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve S. - December 15 - 4:51 pm

  The Patriot feels solid and well built. I have no problem reaching freeway speeds or traveling over the mountain passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It has very comfortable front seating with excellent head and leg room. I opted for the air conditioning and the Power Value Group which includes; Body Color Door Handles, Illuminated Entry, Speed Sensitive Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Automatic Headlamps, Power Heated Fold-Away Mirrors, Power Driver 1-Touch Windows, and Body Color Liftgate Applique. I was also able to negotiate a great price on this smaller SUV. Best value for your money in this segment of the SUV market.

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  Am I the only one?? 2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jrramzak - December 15 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport brand new. As my first big purchase as an adult all on my own, I could not have been more excited about this vehicle. However, in the 4 years I have owned it, I have realized that this was the worst mistake of my life. At first, it was the four wheel drive that took a crap, and having never had a chance to use the four wheel drive yet, i was surprised. Then came the Sky Slider leak, and the interior light leak, followed by all four tires dry rotting out causing me to blow a tire while driving. Yet the tires still had at minimum 40% tread left. Then heater core died followed by the blower motor, then we had to replace a computer chip that was causing my